This blog has been set up to further the cause of compassion for Asylum Seekers.
We will post letters that have been sent to politicians, building up the pressure to provide compassionate support to all refugees in Australia and anywhere where people have been sent by the Australian Government.
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18.10.17

Letter to Bellingen Courier Sun published 18 October 2017

From: Mike

Sent: Sunday, October 8, 2017 12:04 PM

To: editor.couriersun@fairfaxmedia.com.au

Subject: Letter to the Editor

Mark Swales’ letter
(“refugees incompatible” 4.10.17), repeats a number of common distortions,
untruths and defamatory statements about refugees.

Of course, we expect
the government of the day to take the necessary steps to protect its citizens
from danger, from whatever quarter that might come. Mr Swales might be
interested to know that, in 2015, 195 people died as a result of workplace
accidents, 1,209 people died on our roads, 80 women were killed in domestic
violence incidents and 1 person died as a result of a terrorist attack. Each
and every one of these deaths was a tragedy for those involved, for their
families and their loved ones.

The myth about
immigrants not integrating into Australian society has been around for decades.
The Italians, the Greeks, the Vietnamese, the Chinese, and then the Indians
were all deemed by sections of the white Australian community to be
unable and unwilling to integrate. The reality is that, over time, these
immigrants have demonstrated their ability to integrate and to contribute to
Australian society, and our country is much the richer for their involvement.
The more recent arrivals from African countries, from Myanmar and
the Middle East will be no different, given time, empathy and support.

The refugees on Manus
and Nauru have fled violence and persecution in their own countries and have
sought asylum in Australia, as is their right under the Refugee Convention.
They have suffered enormously for the past four years at the hands of the
Australian government. They are seeking a hand up, not a handout. They are
human beings – men, women and children, just like us. They both deserve, and
have the right, to be treated with dignity and respect. To label
them as “pests” and “parasites” is utterly disgraceful.